home & garden

©2013 T

he Punxsutawney Spirit &

Jefferson County N

eighbors

Home & GardenGuide

April 2013

A Special Publication of The Punxsutawney Spirit and Jefferson County Neighbors

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• Bedding Plants • Vegetable Plants • Expanded Line of Perennials

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(BPT) - From intense heat to extreme snow, your roof protects your house from the elements all year long. When is the last time you checked to make sure your roof was in good shape? No matter what the seasons are like in your area, now is the time to begin prepara-tion for extreme weather by giving your roof a second look.

“Regardless of your area’s climate, it is imperative that your roof stays up-to-date so that it can protect your home efficiently,” says Aaron Phillips, corporate director of technical systems for TAMKO Building Products, Inc.

Time-consuming roof projects can be a nuisance and a stress to homeowners. But, by staying on top of repairs, a roof will stay well maintained.

SpringSpring brings warmer tem-

peratures, green grass and flow-ers, but it also brings spring rain. While spring rain may be great for your garden, it can severely damage your home if your roof is out of shape. Have your roof professionally inspected for any problems winter storms may have caused. Finding and fixing leaks is important so that the rainwater does not drip into your attic. Fix-ing leaks early will help you avoid problems later.

Water from spring rain needs to

have access to easy drainage so it does not saturate your roof. Check your gutters for leaks and clean out leaves and debris that winter has left behind.

SummerWhen the temperatures start to

rise, it is important to assure that your roof can breathe. The area underneath your roof needs access to cooler air so that the warm, ex-panding air can escape. Allowing the warm air to escape can help the home maintain a comfortable temperature without overworking your air conditioning unit. When you consider how hot the tempera-ture can get inside your attic, it is easy to see why proper ventilation is so important.

It is important to inspect your ventilation system, both inside and out. Ensure that nothing could block the escape of air, such as insulation or debris, and look for signs of wear that indicate you need to update your ventilation system. Under-ventilated attic space can lead to higher cooling costs and accelerate the aging of shingles.

TAMKO Building Products, Inc. carries a wide variety of ventilation products that help reinforce the beauty of a home and provide ven-tilation to your attic. The TAMKO Solar Attic Vent is a great product for all areas, including those that have unpredictable climates. The

optional cold-weather thermostat automatically disengages the fan when the temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. To learn more about TAMKO products, visit www.TAMKO.com.

FallAs the summer heat starts to

break and the kids go back to school, fall provides the perfect time to ensure that your home is protected for winter. If your roof-ing system is not up to standard, it may be time for new shingles. Shingles provide great protection for your home, but like everything else, reinforcing them with back-up makes them stronger.

Before having your new shin-gles installed, consider reinforcing your roof with an extra layer of protection. TAMKO carries a line of underlayments which help give your roof an extra layer of protec-tion against rain and snow.

Your roof makes up around 50 percent of your home’s exterior. Something that is such a large part of your home and provides protection to your family and your belongings should be well maintained. By spreading your roof checkups throughout the seasons, you can ensure that your roof is always in the best shape possible. A well-kept roof means a happy house.

Roof maintenance tips for every season

(BPT) – As summer approach-es, you’re probably dreaming of a luxurious outdoor retreat ideal for al fresco lunches, cookouts with friends or lazy afternoons spent sunbathing. While you also may be wondering if this project fits within your budget, it is pos-sible to construct a completely customized outdoor oasis without breaking the bank.

The experts at Trex, world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing, offer the following tips for creat-ing an affordable and enjoyable outdoor living space in time for warm weather:

• Find ideas online. From inspiration to installation, you can reference trusted home improve-ment and do-it-yourself websites for guidance through every step of an outdoor living project. Take ad-vantage of complimentary online resources, such as sample deck plans to spark your creativity, deck designers to create virtual outdoor living spaces with customized layouts, colors, textures and acces-sories, and material calculators to help you stay on-budget.

• research financing oppor-tunities. As with other significant purchases for the home, it’s pos-sible to obtain special financing

on a variety of outdoor living products – including decking, rail-ing, lighting and furniture. Visit Trex.com before June 30, 2013 to apply for a line of credit through GE Capital, or work directly with a participating dealer or TrexPro contractor to determine the op-tions available.

• Decide to do-it-yourself. By building a dream deck with your own two hands, you’re saving money on labor costs. Before getting started, however, make sure you’re confident in your DIY abilities and that you have the necessary tools (such as a circular saw, framing square, wheelbarrow and socket wrench) and plenty of help from family or friends. Be certain that you also can commit the time required to obtain local permits, draw up your design plans and complete the build.

• Choose the right decking materials. Offering superior du-rability and beauty at an affordable price point, new Trex Select de-fends against wear and tear from years of heavy foot traffic and se-vere weather – as well as everyday mishaps like dropped grill tools, scratches from heavy outdoor furniture and wet planter pots. Available in four nature-inspired colors that pair beautifully with

railing in a complimentary white hue, Trex Select never requires sanding, staining or painting be-cause food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water. This high-performance wood-alternative decking is wrapped in the signature Trex protective shell, which resists both stains and mold – and guards against fading better than traditional composites. It also comes with the additional peace of mind of a 25-Year Limited Residential Warranty.

• Dress up your deck. Even if your budget is tight, add vibrant throw pillows or tropical flowers and plants as quick and colorful pick-me-ups. If you enjoy en-tertaining outdoors, incorporate bright and bold tableware or vases into your dining area – or set out a few pieces of comfortable, durable outdoor furniture with all-weather cushions in eye-catching fabrics. Finally, consider installing dim-mable LED deck lighting. Not only will it add ambience and security to your outdoor living space, but its energy-efficiency also may reduce your electricity bills.

For more outdoor living in-spiration and ideas, visit www.trex.com.

Outdoor living space solutions

(BPT) – Forget wondering who’s the fairest; when it comes to choosing home improve-ments that make your home look good – from the curb and to potential buyers – it may make more sense to ask “Who’s the greenest of them all.” Sus-tainable home improvements not only help reduce utility costs and boost owner satisfac-tion with their homes, they also make a house more appealing to potential buyers.

In fact, buyers are willing to shell out up to 10 percent more for new homes certified green, according to a January real estate report by Harvard University. Return on invest-ment for certain types of green improvements – such as replac-ing older, less efficient doors and windows – also tends to be high, meaning sellers recoup much of the initial cost of the improvement when they sell the home.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly home improvements, these five are among the green-est you can make:

1. Switch to a solar wa-ter heater. Switching to solar power for heating water can be a huge energy and money-saver. Solar hot water systems rely on free energy from the sun to heat a home’s hot water. A typical system can use 50 to 80 percent less energy than traditional heating systems, according to Velux America, marketers of solar-powered hot water systems. That reduction can help a typical household trim its annual energy costs by 10 to 15 percent.

“While the initial cost of in-stalling a solar-powered system is often higher than installing a traditional water heater, most homeowners find the energy savings allows them to recoup that cost in just a few years,” says Jim Cika of solar sys-tem manufacturer Heliodyne. “What’s more, homeowners may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to 30 percent of the cost to buy and install a residen-

tial solar water heating system.” Visit www.solar.veluxusa.com to learn more about solar water heating.

2. eliminate incandescents. You’ll have to do it soon any-way, so it may pay to start the process now and phase incandescent light bulbs from your home. Federal law ban-ning incandescent light bulbs means that by the end of 2014, you probably won’t be able to find one of the old-fashioned power-guzzlers on store shelves anymore. Instead, more energy-efficient bulbs such as LEDs and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) will dominate the mar-ketplace.

3. add or upgrade a sky-light. Installing a skylight, or replacing an older model skylight with a new Energy Star-qualified one, can help reduce utility costs. The natural light from a skylight can help reduce the need for artificial light sources, thereby paring down electricity costs. When you pair no leak solar-powered fresh air skylights equipped with automatic rain sensors and efficiency-enhancing, energy saving accessories like designer solar powered blinds, you gain a new source of fresh air while improving energy efficiency by up to 37 percent, according to skylight manufacturer Velux.

And, in addition to long-term savings, the cost of solar powered skylights and blinds, as well as installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit as a green home im-provement. For a tax calcula-tor that will show you the tax benefits of new or replacement skylights for your home visit www.veluxusa.com.

And, if you would like to see exactly how skylights would look in your home, there’s an app there that allows you to take pictures inside your home and superimpose skylights and blinds on the image of your ceiling.

Sunlight entering the home through a skylight can help

reduce winter heating bills. EnergyStar.gov says installing an EnergyStar-qualified sky-light, windows and doors can trim a home energy bill by 7 to 15 percent over non-qualified products. Visit www.EnergyS-tar.gov to learn more.

4. replace an old HVaC system. In the typical American home, up to half of total energy consumption goes to heat and cool the house, EnergyStar says. Replacing old, inefficient heating, ventilation and cooling systems with newer, more ef-

ficient models can dramatically reduce a home’s heating and cooling costs.

5. upgrade old windows and doors. A home can lose a tremendous amount of air – hot in the winter, cool in the sum-mer – through poorly sealed doors and windows. Older units, obviously, tend to be less energy efficient than newer ones. Up-grading from drafty windows and doors to more air-tight models can result in significant savings on your heating and cooling costs.

What’s more, replacing win-dows and doors are among the home improvements that deliver significant ROI at the time of resale. Replacing old windows with new vinyl ones can recoup more than 71 percent of the cost when you sell; 73 percent for wooden replacement win-dows, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Re-port. And installing a new front door earns you back nearly 66 percent for a fiberglass door and a whopping 85.6 percent for a steel door.

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eighbors, April 2013 - 3 Rt. 28 between Brookville & New Bethlehem • 814-365-2013

Kemmer’sGREENHOUSE

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eighbors, April 2013 - 5

Ragley’s HaRdwaRe248 N. Findley St.Punxsutawney • 814-938-4510

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310 Lawn & GardenFamily Owned & Operated

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Furnitureall the work is done

(BPT) – As the weather begins to warm and the daylight hours get longer, your yard can quickly become the most important “room” of your home. However, you aren’t alone if your backyard looks outdated and lackluster. Weather conditions can be tough on outdoor areas, but with a few simple updates, you can create the perfect outdoor living space.

gates and gate hardwarePerhaps the first thing you and

your guests see (and use) when entering your yard is the gate, so why not make a great first impression by updating rusty and squeaky gate hardware? D&D Technologies recently launched the LokkLatch Mag-netic, a gate latch that operates and locks from both sides of the gate, and it’s re-keyable so you don’t have to carry multiple keys for your house. Featuring D&D’s patented magnetic latch-ing system, and horizontal and vertical adjustment to ensure a consistent gate closure upon ground movement, LokkLatch Magnetic is the first gate lock to offer coordinating handle trim covers that match your lighting and yard accessories. Available in non-rusting black, brushed and

polished metal, the gate hardware helps to create a cohesive look that enhances your outdoor living environment. Complete the look with matching TruClose self-closing gate hinges, also offering coordinating trim covers. These modern gate options feature a limited lifetime warranty and are available under the Stanley brand through select Lowe’s stores, and other hardware retailers under the National Hardware brand. Visit www.ddtechglobal.com for a full range of gate hardware products and to find a retailer near you.

lighting Weather permitting, your yard

can be the perfect place to relax for an evening. Avoid sitting in total darkness. The many options of patio lighting including path sconces, post lamps and even string lights – all are an answer to keeping your outdoor space lit and inviting

FurnitureThe key to decorating any

room in your home is attrac-tive, comfortable furniture that beckons to be sat upon, and this is no different for your outdoor furniture. While prices on out-door furniture can be a little overwhelming, used furniture

with a little love and creativity can be good as new, without the high cost. Cozy chairs, chaise lounges and benches can gain new use with a coat of outdoor spray paint, then recover cush-ions and add colorful pillows to finish it off.

plants, flowers and shrubs Even if they’re only alive for a

few months out of the year, flow-ers can bring any yard to life. A few strategically placed shrubs, flower beds and herb gardens can help turn your outdoor area into a lively space perfect for relaxing personal moments or parties with friends and family.

Statues and accessoriesGive your backyard even more

personality by selecting a few garden statues or other accesso-ries that reflect your style – such as recycled metal sculptures, elaborately painted bird houses, unique planters or large colorful rocks.

With a few simple updates, you can easily create an outdoor retreat in your own backyard that can provide you the space for entertaining, reading and relax-ing without a costly renovation. So go get started.

(BPT) – While vinyl siding has historically been the most-used siding material in the U.S., its continuing advancements are allowing even more choice when it comes to two critical qualities desired by homeown-ers: outstanding curb appeal and low maintenance. Add to this to the growing interest by homeowners to save energy and the increasing green measures being taken by builders, and insulated vinyl siding stands out as a versatile choice.

More value is being created by marrying texture and tough-ness, creating beautiful and extremely durable homes. The toughest vinyl siding exteriors are code-compliant for hurri-cane zones and offer maximum possible fire resistance ratings.

For example, with several new stone siding profiles in its Foundry Stone Collection and the most comprehensive color palette for cedar shake and shingle panels, Foundry premium vinyl siding by The Tapco Group has emerged as a cladding of choice in storm-prone and moisture-rich coastal areas. Its durability, low main-tenance and limited lifetime warranty are factors making it popular in locations such as Vir-ginia Beach, the Carolina coast and communities throughout Alabama.

Unlimited by geography, Foundry siding is found na-tionally, from whole-house applications in Western New York and South Florida to gable accents in the Great Lakes and Mountain West.

“The Foundry has great looks and I like the fact that it meets the strict Florida building code wind load requirement,” says George Williams, owner of Pre-cision Homecrafters, Birming-ham, Ala. “With the Foundry’s cedar shake profile, until you walk up and touch it, you don’t know that it’s vinyl.

Foundry siding’s robust strength withstands the harsh-est conditions. With a wind load exceeding 170 mph, it also features highest-rating Class 1(A) fire resistance and 60-inch per pound or more impact resistance. At the same time, it is easily cut with snips and comes in efficient 5-foot panels so a single installer can quickly side the home.

Homeowner Marsha Wal-lace had 27 squares of Foundry Siding installed on her Virginia Beach, Va. home. “Everyone who has seen the house is amazed when they get up re-ally close and realize it’s vinyl siding. They don’t believe it until they get up really close and examine it. It looks like brand new shake and doesn’t

look like your typical siding job at all,” Wallace says. “The freedom from maintenance is very attractive,” she adds.

Williams also appreciates the low maintenance. “I put Foundry siding on my home,” notes Williams. “People see it and they really like it.”

Manufactured from molds of real cedar and stone, authentic-ity is built into these premium vinyl panels. In addition to the easy-installing 5-foot panel lengths, Foundry firsts include proprietary multi-tone Weath-ered Collection colors and the only stone siding profile – Foundry Stacked Stone – fea-turing the finely-tuned detail of integrated grout lines.

“A very important aspect is being maintenance-free. The last thing that many homeown-ers want to do is literal “home” work. Time-saving products like The Foundry that reduce maintenance can be a huge benefit for a lot of people,” says Jonathan Wierengo, vice presi-dent of marketing for The Tapco Group. “You have a versatile, large-selection of warm and inviting colors that let the house stand out –and you don’t have to worry about painting.”

For more information, visit www.foundrysiding.com or call 800-771-4486.

Make a perfect outdoor living space

Vinyl still the most popular siding

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(BPT) – Outdoor living spaces remain a popu-lar home improvement, but while you’re plan-ning your patio or prepping your planting beds do you consider the impact these improvements might have on the environment? Creating a great outdoor space can be even more satisfying when you take steps to make your project as “green” as possible.

If your spring to-do list includes backyard projects such as building a patio or decorative landscaping, here are some eco-friendly ways to accomplish your goals:

Choose greener materialsLong gone are the days when it was difficult to

find building materials created with sustainable manufacturing processes. Today, you can find products such as pavers and even paver base – used in patio-building – that are not only made from recycled materials, but also are 100 percent recyclable.

For example, to build a greener patio, start with Brock PaverBase, which holds the coveted “Cradle to Cradle” certification that recognizes a product’s safety for people and the environment, and design for future life cycles. The overlapping panel system makes prepping the ground for patio pavers quick and easy, eliminating more of the time-consuming and labor-intensive aspects of traditional patio-building – all while deliver-ing a better looking, professional-quality result. You can learn more at www.brock-international.com.

When building products made from recycled materials aren’t available, consider ones that are naturally sustainable. Such products can also provide a unique look. Bamboo, for example, is gaining popularity as a fencing and decking mate-rial and it’s eco-friendly because it’s fast-growing

and durable. Cedar is another decking and fence product that is naturally “green,” because it is naturally resistant to moisture - making it more durable. It also contains natural oils that prevent rot without the chemical treatments needed by other woods such as pine, and it can be recycled and used for other building projects.

responsible accessoriesEnergy and water consumption are also impor-

tant considerations when greening your backyard environment. Opting for solar-powered pathway, deck and accent lighting - rather than traditional electric lights - is a great way to reduce the envi-ronmental impact of your outdoor living space, while saving money on your utility bill. It’s easy to find a wide variety of solar lighting styles, whether you look online or at your local home improvement store.

Reducing water waste is also important for the environment and your wallet. If you have a lawn sprinkler system, be sure to avoid watering dur-ing the hottest hours of the day when water will evaporate off the grass before it had time to sink into the soil. Timers on a sprinkler system can also help conserve water. You can also recycle rainwater to irrigate backyard flowerbeds. Simply set up a rain barrel to collect water.

Finally, think about the furnishings you’ll use on your patio or deck. While plastic may seem durable – and cheapest to buy – consider what will happen to the furniture once it’s no longer usable. Furnishings made from recyclable materials like wood or iron may be kinder to the environment in the long run. You can also look for furniture made from recycled products. Or, visit garage sales and give old wood or metal lawn furniture a fresh coat of paint, some new cushions – and a new life in your environmentally friendly outdoor space.

When a young adult leaves the comforts of home to set out on his or her own, homeowners are left with a bedroom that just calls out to be made over. However, the experience of a child leaving the nest can be bitter-sweet, and some parents struggle with the decision to renovate or leave the room intact. Converting a room can be an emotional process, but there are several different ways to put a newly vacated room to good use.

What to do with a room may hinge on who still lives in the house. Another child, for instance, may be interested in “upgrading” to the room if it is larger or has amenities that the previous bedroom does not offer, like a better view or a bigger closet. Some have plans for a craft space or a library. Perhaps the room would be perfect for a “man cave” or a quiet sitting area.

• Start slowly. Broach the subject with the former occupant of the room to gauge his or her reaction to the idea. If your child is supportive, then the process may move along more quickly. If not, you may need to wait a little longer before starting the renovation.

• go through the room’s con-tents together. Your child may feel his or her private sanctum was vio-lated if you simply box up belongings and ready them to be taken away. Instead, go through the room together and allow your son or daughter to pack away items of sentimental value.

Other items can be donated. Consider which pieces of furniture might be kept and repurposed.

• Keep some items of value. Re-member, you don’t want your child to feel like his or her identity has been erased from the house. Find a way to incorporate something from the bedroom into the new design to pay homage to the person who lived and grew up in the room. Keep a square of removed wallpaper and frame it. Put some well-read childhood books on a shelf. Have a place of honor for the first soccer trophy. This way when your child returns home there will still be a piece of the room’s former identity.

• Work through your new design plan. Before removing furniture and any items, draw up a detailed renova-tion plan and establish a budget. If the room will become a guest room, the basics may already be there and you simply need to introduce new linens and a new paint color to transform the space. Consider keeping the room functional as a sleeping space in some way – whether moving in a sleeper sofa or making a regular bed into a daybed – so when your son or daughter comes to visit, he or she will have a comfortable space.

• make it sophisticated. Adult spaces differ from children’s spaces in their sophistication. Starting fresh with more streamlined furniture and bolder colors in the room will give it a grownup look.

Converting a kid’s room into an adult space

Tips for creating a greener outdoor living space

(BPT) – From grilling and dining to simply relaxing, your home’s deck is frequently the center of family life during warm weather months. That’s why there’s no better time to give your outdoor living space the upgrade it deserves.

Whether you’re building a dream deck from scratch – or sprucing up an existing space – here are five tips for do-it-yourselfers who want to start turning their outdoor living aspirations into reality this weekend.

no. 1 – Discover your inspiration

Your deck is a natural ex-tension of your home and your style. Think about the type of design elements that will best fit your family’s activities and complement both outdoor views and the layout of your yard. Flip through favorite magazines to find photos that jumpstart your inner designer, go online to experiment with virtual planners that allow you to try out different colors and configurations or use mobile apps to create outdoor living space designs anywhere at any time.

no. 2 – Choose materials manufactured to last

If you’re investing in a brand new deck, select materi-als that will stand up to years of wear and tear from kids, pets, dropped grilling tools, heavy outdoor furniture – and even the harshest of weather. New high-performance wood-alternative decking like Trex Enhance combines superior durability and long-lasting good looks. With Trex’s pro-tective shell technology, it’s also resistant to fading, stain-ing, scratching and mold – while offering hassle-free maintenance.

“Food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water, which is ideal if you’re

planning a summer of back-yard barbecues and deck par-ties,” says Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex. “Unlike the upkeep required of wood decking, you’ll never need to sand, stain or paint – and you won’t have to worry about rotting, warping, cracking or splin-tering.”

Combining enduring beauty and performance – but priced at a value that appeals to do-it-yourselfers – Trex Enhance decking offers the additional peace of mind of a 25-year limited fade and stain war-ranty. It’s also available in stock at The Home Depot stores, making it even easier to begin building your outdoor oasis this weekend.

no. 3 – look for easy-to-install solutions

Installing a new deck may seem daunting at first, but with the proper tools and resources, you’ll not only save money on labor costs - but you’ll also take pride in knowing you suc-cessfully completed a home improvement project with your own two hands. As you create a list of essential ma-terials for your project, think about incorporating a hidden fastener system - rather than traditional nails or screws. Hidden fasteners can make the installation of decking boards easier and faster and create a more professional look. Your deck’s surface will be smooth, seamless and more comfort-able underfoot.

no. 4 – Consider a deck makeover

If your budget doesn’t allow for a complete deck rebuild this year, you can resurface an old wooden deck that’s starting to wear, warp and rot with new higher-performance materials. Simply remove the existing boards and check that the sub-structure remains

sturdy before installing wood-alternative decking like Trex Enhance. Giving your wood deck a facelift with durable, beautiful composite materi-als will increase curb appeal, lengthen its lifespan and cut down on maintenance require-ments for years to come.

no. 5 – add finishing touches

Even if you’re already the proud owner of a gorgeous outdoor living space, take style and comfort to the next level with weekend warrior-worthy

projects. Add new modular railing in contrasting or com-plementary colors to create a perfect frame for your deck, or establish cozy conversation nooks with weather-resistant furniture. Construct an elegant pergola to lend shade from the harsh summer sun and install energy-efficient deck lighting to create ambience for twilight cocktail parties.

For more outdoor living do-it-yourself inspiration and advice, visit www.homedepot.trex.com.

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(BPT) – Adding living space to your home can be an ex-pensive prospect. However, creating an outdoor room is a budget-friendly option that gives you more square footage, as well as additional opportuni-ties to enjoy the season. As an extension of the home, outdoor rooms with decks or pergolas can be personalized to truly bring indoor comforts outside for relaxation and entertaining.prepare your outdoor space

Before embarking on design-ing an outdoor room, start with a clean slate by making necessary repairs. Jason Ringling, director of marketing for Red Devil, a company with a 141-year his-tory of industry knowledge, says outdoor fix-ups are on the agenda because of the un-usual weather the country has experienced, including wind and flood damage. Outdoor structures have particularly taken a beating, with damage to wood structures and cracked concrete.

“Homeowners can tackle these jobs with long-lasting quality adhesives and seal-ants,” says Ringling. “There are new, environmentally friendly construction adhesives on the market, which can help repair damaged decks, concrete, out-door furniture, play sets and more.”Stand up to mother nature

If you start with cellular PVC as a wood replacement, you can add longevity and low-maintenance to pergolas and other outdoor structures. Those that come in easy-to-assemble kits make it even easier to have a stylish extension to your home. According to the experts at Walpole Outdoors, which has been crafting out-door furnishings since 1933, to match your home’s style, look for variations in pergola design such as straight or arched tops, and round or square columns in many sizes.

“For a true ‘outdoor room’ feeling, a retractable, weather-resistant fabric canopy can provide shade and shelter when-ever the weather changes, so homeowners can always plan outdoor occasions with confi-dence,” says Walpole president Lou Maglio.

affordable, natural looks that endure

Decks are another easy way to extend living space and with new alternative materials, it’s easy to save on maintenance without sacrificing style. One advancement in composite decking technology features a “cap” or protective outer layer that looks like real hardwood.

“Today’s deck trends show that homeowners are looking for deck styles and colors that strongly resemble the earthy tones found in nature,” says Carey Walley, vice president of marketing for TimberTech, a leading composite decking manufacturer. As an example, the company’s new Earthwood Evolutions Terrain is an afford-able hardwood-look composite that is durable, moisture-re-sistant and accepts concealed fasteners. Walley also notes that a new interactive Q&A forum called Straight Talk is a great

place to investigate common deck topics and to ask any deck question that will be answered by experts.

De-clutter your deck spaceWhen designing that special

outdoor space, start by de-cluttering the deck. Look for the latest clever, space-saving solutions that help make the most of your deck space. One way to cut costs and improve the view is to use fewer posts, ac-cording to Mike Gori, director of product management, AZEK Building Products.

“We’ve engineered a durable railing system that spans 10 feet between posts, which requires fewer posts. This creates a less cluttered look, clearer views and substantial cost savings,” he says. In addition, he suggests hide-away storage bins that make use of the space under the deck to store items like umbrellas and pool toys. “The lid is discreetly flush with the deck surface, eliminating those large plastic bins that obscure the view and take up valuable deck space.”

With these tips, it’s easy to find functional, beautiful and affordable options for making your outdoor space your very own.

(BPT) – The best bathrooms are more than just functional areas – they’re sanctuaries where you can escape, reset and recharge. And as one of the smallest and most-used rooms in the home, that’s likely why they’ve become the most popular remodeling project (78 percent), according to the National Association of Home Builders.

Luckily, simple updates can breathe new life into this small space. Transform your boring bath by incorporating these fast, fresh updates that don’t cost a fortune.

Create a focal point with updated faucets

It’s a focal point, one of the most frequently used items in the bath, so it’s important that your vanity incorporates a fabulous faucet. If you pre-fer more traditional styling, the Moen Wetherly bathroom faucet offers a refreshed, old-world design that’s guaranteed to add a touch of luxury. Or if you like a more industrial, yet elegant look, Gibson bath-room faucets feature an edgy, square-shaped high-arc spout and sleek lever handles. And to keep your new fixtures looking flawless, both are available at Lowe’s in Spot Resist Brushed Nickel finish, which resists fingerprints and water spots, maintaining the brilliance of the faucet.

In addition to the beautiful styling, you’ll feel good about your update, since each bath-room faucet has been certified to meet WaterSense criteria, meaning the fixtures meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guidelines as an environmentally respon-sible and efficient product.

add beauty with bath hardware

Once you’ve upgraded your faucet, look to the other metal-lic accents in the room for a subtle, yet effective way to pull together the design. Coordi-nating bath hardware, such as towel bars, rings, robe hooks, shelves, knobs and pulls, will instantly add a functional and fashionable impact.

let there be light Assess your current lighting

to ensure it offers the look and feel you want for your bath. Too dark? Add new decorative fixtures that complement your faucets and hardware. There are many styles that feature multiple lamps for added il-lumination. Too bright? Add a dimmer switch to your light-

ing to soften the mood when you’re looking to relax.

Set the mood with colorAccording to Freshome

architecture and design blog, room color affects our moods and thoughts – so choose wise-ly. Add a splash of color to the walls with a fresh coat of high-gloss paint to give the space an instant facelift. Create a zen retreat by enhancing your bath with shades of yellow, which are energizing and uplifting; or soft blues, which are calming, relaxing and serene.

Next, add coordinating tex-tiles; a fabric shower curtain, plush bath towels, rugs and bath mat can add a finishing designer touch.

Shower sanctuary A quality showerhead can

dramatically improve your daily showering experience. Take your shower from lack-luster to luxurious with the new Moen Halo rainshower. The pivoting, double-ring design offers up to 60 percent more coverage than standard rainshowers and features three consumer-preferred spray set-tings – all presented in a clean, modern design to make a style statement in any bath.

Replacing a showerhead can be a quick and inexpensive project, simply unscrew the old showerhead and attach the new one to the shower arm.

add a finishing touch with furniture

No matter the size of your bathroom, we all want more storage. Look around your home for unused accents, such as a small shelf, chest – or even a cupboard or armoire. The extra drawer space will come in handy to keep your clutter under control - while also add-ing a bit of style, warmth and pizzazz to your newly updated room.

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(BPT) – As the weather turns warmer, most of us are experi-encing cabin fever, anxious to escape to the outdoors. But has the harsh winter weather put a damper on your outdoor spac-es? Don’t fret. You can easily spruce up your exteriors with a few easy and inexpensive home improvement projects. Here are a few fast fixes that will have your home looking great without taking a huge hit on your wallet.

unpaCK anD upDateThe first step to enjoying

the outdoors is to unpack storage areas and populate your patios and porches with furniture and accents that you put away for the winter season. However, often these pieces don’t fare well in storage and your once-beautiful accents may be scratched, faded or even rusty.

“It’s disappointing to find once-vibrant outdoor furniture and accents looking worn and outdated – especially when you’re not ready to invest in new,” says Katherine Merkle, Krylon brand manager. “Luck-ily, with a bit of spray paint – especially a version that’s paint and primer in one – it’s simple to revitalize your cur-

rent pieces to make them lovely and enjoyable, only for a few dollars.”

Krylon’s Dual Paint + Prim-er spray paint is the ideal solu-tion with a unique formulation that’s available in a wide vari-ety of the most popular colors and finishes. It includes both the paint and primer in one can, so you can complete your projects easily and quickly in one step – with a great finish that lasts like you primed it. Plus, it works on many sur-faces, including wood, metal, wicker, glass, ceramic, fabric, concrete and masonry, allow-ing you to update all your outdoor accents.

“Whether looking to add a vibrant pop of color to dull flower pots; restoring sun-fad-ed patio umbrellas; or restor-ing damaged or dull furniture surfaces, Dual has the color you need in the simple, one-step, affordable solution you desire,” says Merkle.

Clean anD ClearCold weather can leave

outdoor spaces looking dirty and gray, so the next step in your outdoor update is to start cleaning. Pressure washing is a simple way to get patios, sidewalks, windows and siding

looking clean and ready for the season. It offers instant grati-fication as layers of dirt, dust and grime are quickly blasted away. Don’t have a pressure washer? No worries that you need to buy one; most rental companies or home improve-ment centers offer reasonably priced daily rentals. Or it’s an opportunity to visit the neighbors who you haven’t seen during the cold months to borrow theirs.

great, green graSSWith your living spaces

looking grand, now it’s time to turn your attention to your lawn. With the grass still soggy and sensitive, it may not be time to begin mowing or dig-ging – but it is a good time for prevention. Since spring is often the key growth season for many grasses, the key to hav-ing a weed-free yard is to ap-ply weed control to your yard to prevent them before they germinate. Your local home improvement store or nursery will help you determine the type and amount that is best for your yard. This easy bit of prevention will help create healthy and luscious greenery for the warmer months to come.

get grillingOnce you’ve got your out-

doors looking great, you’ll be ready to enjoy some outdoor entertaining. To prep your grill for another year of burg-ers and barbecues – make sure you start with a good cleaning. Home improvement expert, Danny Lipford, has a simple and inexpensive way to clean the cooking surface using alu-minum foil and white vinegar. The acid in the vinegar cuts through grease and cooked-on food, while the foil acts as an abrasive to remove the food

residue. Simply pour white vinegar in a clean spray bottle, spray the cooking surface and let it sit for a few minutes. Next, rub the cooking area with crumpled up aluminum foil. You’ll have a clean grill with items you probably have sitting in your pantry.

With a few fast do-it-your-self updates, your home and outdoor areas will be looking fabulous in no time – and all without a huge price tag. For more information on Krylon paint products, visit www.krylon.com.

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(BPT) – When considering exterior home improvements during spring and summer, many homeowners go for updates such as the replacement of siding or windows. These projects can make the home look great while boosting energy efficiency, but no matter how much homeowners invest in siding or windows, it will only look as good as the trim used to complete the job.

Trim products are designed to be used around windows, doors, eaves and gables, and for application on your home’s cor-ners and porch columns. Many installers opt for basic corner posts, J-channels and finishing accessories, which are functional, but also detract from the home’s overall style. Going beyond the basics is very affordable and can make a big difference in your investment.

“One mistake that homeown-ers and contractors often make in an exterior remodel is fin-ishing a beautiful window and siding replacement with basic or inexpensive trimwork,” says Steve Moore, architect with BSB Design. “Working with your con-tractor to accessorize with high-quality, low-maintenance trim around windows, doors and the roofline helps complete the look and enhance architectural fea-tures. Trim and mouldings are the glue that ties the look together.”

Whether you prefer a modern, traditional, rustic or Victorian style, there are many trim options

on today’s market to consider, including products made of wood, aluminum, fiber cement, engi-neered wood and vinyl, each with their own unique features. But if you want the look of real wood without the maintenance or hav-ing to replace in a few years, turn to building products manufactur-ers like Ply Gem that now offer cellular PVC trim with a 30-year warranty. Features of this material typically include a wood grain or smooth finish option, natural wood dimensions and resistance to rotting, cracking and splitting. Due to the superior material, paint will also adhere better and stay bright longer than painted wood.

Cellular PVC trim and mould-ing products are easy for your contractor to install, and are engi-neered to work with virtually any siding type, including vinyl siding, stone veneer, brick, fiber cement and stucco.

“Since trim is incredibly vis-ible, it should be chosen with the same care as siding,” says Jerry Blais, vice president of marketing for Ply Gem siding group. “The use of low-maintenance products like cellular PVC trim and mould-ings really give homeowners a durable and versatile option for making the home exterior stand out from the crowd. The product can also be painted to complement other exterior materials such as windows, vinyl siding, stone ve-neer, shutters and more to create a cohesive design.”

To achieve that cohesive exte-

rior home design, Ply Gem and BSB Design recommend first de-termining the type of architectural style you are trying to achieve, traditional or modern. This will help narrow the options for not only trim style, but also window grille patterns, color, siding type and accessories like shutters.

To help provide inspiration, design guides are available for recommendations on how to make the most of cellular PVC trim and other exterior products with various architectural styles. Once you have a style, consider ways to accessorize your home with trim:

• Accent arched windows on Georgian or French architectural styles

• Differentiate with decora-tive gable details for home styles such as folk, shingle, Victorian or craftsman

• Add wide trim with a key-stone to carry out a Tuscan look when combined with arched windows and stucco siding

• Use cellular PVC sheet in wide areas, such as wainscoting, on bay windows or under eaves for a gingerbread look

• Detail porch columns with pre-formed post wraps

If you want to see how your home would look with a make-over, tools like The Designed Exterior Studio on www.plygem.com allow homeowners to virtu-ally customize exterior home designs.

How to accessorize your home’s exterior

(BPT) – As spring approaches, other New Year’s resolutions may be a distant memory but the urge to improve your home can find new life when the weather warms. The transition of seasons is a per-fect opportunity to refocus on improving yourself and your space.

repaint anD reFreSH One of the easiest and quickest ways to refresh

the look of your home is with paint. Repainting any room will instantly transform it into a showpiece of your style and taste, while giving you control over the mood of the space.

Keeping up with the latest movement in the world of interior design, Pratt & Lambert Paints recently released its 2013 Color Trends Forecast, which juxtaposes dark and light, bold and subdued and bright and pastel. Highlighting the distinct moods and styles of the everyday and elevating the sensory experience, each of the four collections showcases how contrasting colors can form a very balanced design scheme, perfect for a fresh, balanced start to a new season.

Whether you choose from the Phenomena, Ves-tiges, Dialects or Curated palette, your renewed room will see the rich color saturation and lasting quality Pratt & Lambert is known to provide. With the help of a skilled painting contractor and the right color selections, in a matter of hours, you can transform any room into a reflection of your personal style and panache.

CoVer CorreCtionS That old chair you love might be comfortable,

but even one piece of furniture with visibly worn or outdated fabric can ruin the look of an entire room. Fortunately, there is an easy way to create a more on-trend space without having to say goodbye to

old favorites. Re-upholster old chair cushions with a plush fabric in a bold, new pattern or color. Re-stain weathered wooden tables and chairs, or paint them a solid color for a modern, chic look. You can even purchase pre-made full sofa or armchair covers in a wide variety of styles and fabrics if you are look-ing for an instant fix. Add a few stylish pillows in coordinating colors and any room’s furniture will become like new in no time.

a DiFFerent ligHt You can easily change a room’s entire aura by

adjusting how it’s lit. A visit to any home store’s lighting section will reveal seemingly endless op-tions. Change out a dull overhead light with an elaborate chandelier for a turn-of-the-century look. Standing floor lamps are available in nearly any fin-ish and style and are perfect for a sitting or living area, while wall sconces can create a soft, romantic glow while saving floor space. If you’re not ready to purchase new lighting elements, you can easily renew the look of your space by updating lamp shades, painting the bases or simply rearranging freestanding lights.

aCCeSSorize Little things can make the biggest difference,

and putting finishing touches on a space will give it personality, making it your own. Changing or adding decorative rugs, pieces of art, throw pillows and other furnishings can completely change the feel of a room. Experiment with different styles and materials throughout the room, but avoid going overboard with too many knick-knacks, which can create a cluttered, crowded feel. You can also give your home additional sensory appeal by adding aromatic candles or stylish oil diffusers, instantly creating a more inviting space.

Renew your home in four easy steps

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(BPT) – A tale as old as time, true as it can be ... insects, weeds and poor fertiliza-tion are the beasts that take away from the beauty of plants and flowers in our lawns, gardens and even homes. To maintain a home and landscape your neighbors envy, interiors and exteriors should remain pest-free, and plants should be fed with the proper nutrients to stay healthy all-season-long.

Given the many things to consider when it comes to sustaining a lush landscape, homeowners are seeking new ways to sim-plify their lawn and garden maintenance techniques.

Trusted brands Amdro and Pennington have developed five quick tips that take the guesswork out of warm weather chores and make any home flourish with “more beauty, less beasts.”

1. Decoding soil Dna: The best gauge for fertilization requirements of your land-scape is through a soil test. These tests are used to evaluate the condition and levels of nutrients in the soil, especially pH, which determines how well plants are able to draw the nutrients they need from the soil. Home soil test kits are available at most lawn and garden retailers or homeowners can contact their local Department of Agriculture for more information.

2. Fertilizer frequency factors: During periods of drought, it is important not to over-fertilize as this can result in unhealthy or burnt-looking plants. The frequency of fertilization depends on climate, plant type and the fertilizer. A pre-measured, ready-to-use fertilizer, such as the Pennington Smart

Feed Sprayer System, ensures efficient feeding, proper nutrition and vigorous plant growth. The benefit: better results with big-ger blooms and produce, when compared to unfed plants. The system also saves time, minimizes water usage and removes guess-work.

3. Select the right plants: One of the best defenses against problem insects is a strong, well-maintained plant. When designing your landscape, select plants that are less prone to insect problems. For example, native plants tend to be more pest-resistant, if planted where the sun and soil are right for them.

4. go on the offensive: While weeds grow year-round, pest activity in many ways cor-relates with temperature. In general, as tem-peratures increase, so does insect feeding and insect populations in and around the home. Combat insects and weeds with a simple, versatile tool, such as the Amdro PowerFlex Pest & Weed System. With no mixing, mea-suring or cleaning required, this all-in-one system allows homeowners to reclaim their properties, both indoors and outdoors.

5. protect beneficial species: Within every landscape and garden are pest predators that are beneficial to the health of plants - either by feeding on problem pests or by helping with soil aeration and drainage. Examples include earthworms, spiders, ladybugs and praying mantises. Attract beneficial insects to your landscape with plants that provide nectar, pollen and other food sources.

For more information and additional help-ful hints, visit www.penningtonusa.com or www.amdro.com.

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(BPT) – Backyard or back patio, it’s time to get planting, no matter where you live. The number of American households engaging in do-it-yourself lawn and garden activities rose by more than 3 million in recent years, the National Gardening Association’s National Garden 2012 Survey found. That can include you, even if you don’t have an actual yard.

Yardless gardening is a popu-lar alternative for people short on green space looking to flex (or find) their green thumbs

and the garden gurus from The Home Depot are here to help you do it.

make a container garden Small back patio? Window

sill? That’s all the space you need for a yardless garden. “You can enjoy a garden, no matter your space or place,” says Certified Nursery Consultant Nick Blass-man. “It’s an easy project to take on in a weekend and can make a big difference in your home.”

Step one: pick your plants Edible plants like basil, orega-

no, parsley, thyme and rosemary

are great choices because they’re heavy producers and easy to grow in small spaces. The Home Depot’s Bonnie Organic herbs are healthy options to have on hand when you’re chopping, dicing and using fresh herbs in the kitchen. These herbs come in peat pots made of biodegradable material so if you plant outside, just drop the entire pot in the dirt – there’s no plastic to throw away. Love tomatoes (or ketchup)? Heinz introduced Heinz tomato varieties this spring, which can be grown in a container or trained

to grow up a wire cage or teepee of bamboo.

Step two: choose your ves-sel

A couple factors to consider when you’re looking for pots and planters. First, make sure your plant is going to have enough room to grow and develop roots. A good rule of thumb is to use smaller pots for herbs and larger pots for fruits and vegetables. Next, flip the pot over – does it have a hole in the bottom? Plant-ers should have drainage holes so your plant doesn’t get water-

logged. For stylish options, con-sider metal planters like Home Depot’s Medley Square Copper Planter or natural wood finishes like the Western Red Cedar Large Square Planter. If you have no idea what you’re doing, well, you’re not alone. And there’s a place to find the experts – The Home Depot’s Garden Club.

Step three: gear up Big tools in a small planter

equal a potentially disastrous situation. Make sure you’ve got the right gardening tools for your job – a small spade, trimmers, gloves and a watering can or hose. For less than a dollar each, pick up a couple Fiskars Garden Tools. They feature maneuver-able, short handles to make it easy to navigate smaller areas without making a big mess.

Step four: fill ‘er up You want the fertilizer or

potting mix that’s going to nour-ish and help your herbs thrive. “Choose a potting mix with ingredients like sphagnum peat moss, vermiculite or perlite, and aged compost products to help retain moisture and control the release of water into the plant’s roots,” says Blassman.

It’s that easy. You now have a container garden to enjoy, no matter the weather or season.

Few things are better than having a functional and beautiful outdoor space to entertain guests. Having a great outdoor space enables a person to host parties or intimate gatherings all year long. Establishing an entertaining space and maintaining that space are essential when planning another year of fun in the sun.

There are many things hom-eowners can do to ensure their entertaining space is safe and functional. As the season ap-proaches, include some landscap-ing and decorating components to your preparatory plans to make the space as comfortable and aesthetically appealing as possible.

Here are a few key tips for readying your yard for entertain-ing possibilities. Expand on these basics to customize an area for your unique needs.

• Check the area for any needed repairs. Prior to your first entertaining session, look over the deck or patio to take note of any flaws that may pres-ent safety hazards. Are there any loose railings? Are all screws and nails flush so they do not cause tripping? Are there any cracks in concrete or loose patio blocks? Be sure to remedy all of the repairs needed to ensure guests will be safe. If you are unsure of any

structural deficits, consult with a contractor.

• Hire a reputable contrac-tor. If you are just laying the groundwork for a new patio or deck, it is important to get the necessary permits and then hire a person who has been properly vetted. Check qualifications and licensing before hiring a contrac-tor and ask to view a portfolio of his or her previous work. Word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted friends and family mem-bers are good, and you can also double-check qualifications by contacting the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged or use a ser-vice such as Angie’s List to read reviews of his or her work.

• think about closing in a portion of a deck or patio. The use of a canopy, netting or even greenery to protect an entertaining space can help mini-mize weather-related damage to outdoor furniture. Netting will keep a good number of biting insects at bay when the weather is warm and humid. Having a bit of concealment also means you can create a private space that isn’t easily viewed by neighbors or passersby.

• plan well-defined areas. Just as rooms serve different pur-poses inside of the home, outdoor

areas can be separated according to usage. Establish a sitting nook where guests can gather and talk. Have a bar or serving area where refreshments are made and served. Make sure there is a shaded area for when the sun is too uncomfortable to make sit-ting outside enjoyable. Similarly, have a sunny area where people can soak up a few rays or dry off after a dip in the spa or pool. Don’t forget to establish a spot for the kids to converge with scaled-down amenities.

• Consider a fireplace or fire pit. For centuries man (and woman) has gathered around fire for socialization and a means to warming up. Having a backyard fireplace, pit or chiminea is a conversation-starter, a decorative focal point, and a functional tool to extend the number of seasons in which outdoor entertaining can take place. Place the fire wisely and with concern for safety. It should be out of the way of foot traffic, but central enough so that it can be a gathering point.

• invest in quality outdoor furniture. Today’s yards are extensions of a home’s interior. Guests no longer want to sit on uncomfortable metal or plastic furniture. There are many dif-ferent outdoor sofas and chairs that are as stylish as they are

comfortable. These pieces can be matched to the decor inside your home for a cohesive look.

• accessorize. Consider the creature comforts of indoors and mimic that outdoors. Don’t shy away from hanging artwork on an exterior wall or using urns or pottery to decorate the space. Weather-resistant materials en-sure everything from clocks to televisions can be used outdoors. Think about having an entire set of serving dishes and other enter-taining items for the outdoors.

When refurbishing outdoor en-tertaining areas, emphasize com-fort, safety and functionality.

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(BPT) – The busy home remodeling season is a great time for homeowners to focus on increasing curb appeal. The percentage of homeowners who feel now is a good time to spend money on home im-provement has doubled since 2009, according to a recent survey among Better Homes and Gardens readers. Consider-ing two of the top four features consumers have on their wish lists for their next home are low maintenance exteriors and a private backyard, high-perfor-mance products that come in a variety of colors, textures and designs are expected to be in high demand this year.

“Based on these survey re-sults, we’ve found that many of our readers want to refresh what’s already there,” says Jill Waage, editorial director for home content, Better Homes and Gardens. “Perhaps they’re looking to dig out that hidden sophistication of a mid-century home, or they might have a classic and want to bring out the character a bit more. Be-yond the facade, our readers also really love outdoor living spaces; they see their yard as an extension of the indoors.”

From small touch ups to large renovations, projects such as replacing boring and beige with colorful vinyl siding and trim, updating entryways with bright front doors and shutters, and sprucing up outdoor living areas can make a big difference in the look of your home and neighborhood.

“Homeowners want it all in 2013; low maintenance prod-ucts that perform and style that breaks the cookie-cutter mold,” says Jerry Blais, vice president of marketing for Ply Gem Sid-ing Group, a division of exterior building products manufacturer Ply Gem. “Colorful vinyl sid-ing options in different styles, combined with complementary trim, stone veneer and designer accents that set your home apart are in demand for home improvements.”

Consider these upgrades to get magazine-ready looks for your home exterior.

make a grand entranceFor experienced DIYers

considering a weekend proj-ect, painting the front door or replacing shutters is a simple solution with dramatic results. These small changes create a focal point for the house and provide a warm, inviting ap-pearance with a modern feel. Brands such as Mastic Home

Exteriors by Ply Gem offer shutters in dozens of pre-select-ed colors, or can be painted for a custom look.

Other subtle improvements like adding modern lighting fixtures, detailed railings, a new mailbox, stone columns or house numbers can also go a long way in enhancing a home’s custom look.

Whole-home overhaulFor those ready to create

a whole new style, installing new siding and trim can in-fuse life into a bland exterior. Vinyl siding, stone veneer and designer accents have evolved over the years, with vastly expanded color palettes, easy maintenance and a natural look. By incorporating cellular PVC trim as an accent to vinyl siding and stone – around windows, on dormers, eaves and gables – even the most discerning homeowners can enjoy a so-phisticated look that’s also low maintenance.

To help with exterior color selection, look to free Ipad applications like Ply Gem’s Mastic Color Advisor. Design guides are also available for in-spiration and recommendations on how to make the most of cel-lular PVC trim, with styles such as gingerbread, modern, rustic, colonial and much more.

the great outdoorsThe perfect addition to any

exterior design renovation is an outdoor living area to entertain friends, enjoy a summer barbe-cue or just relax with the news-paper. To extend your interior space to the outdoors, consider projects such as installing an outdoor fireplace or kitchen with durable stone veneer, or a low maintenance vinyl privacy or picket fence.

To find design inspiration and product ideas for these and other exterior projects, visit

(BPT) – Spring is the time of year for renewal. So, it’s no surprise that springtime finds most people planning to rejuvenate their spaces. Four out of five Americans have a room in the home in need or redecorating, according to a 2013 study by Homegoods. Unfortunately, all too often the decorating process is a source of stress and anxiety for homeowners. How will you ever afford new furniture in your living room? How can you be on-trend without dat-ing your home?

Follow these three tips to give your home a stress-free, springtime makeover:

reclaiming your home’s foundation

Chances are your floors took a beating during the winter. Spring is the ideal time to install new flooring and re-vamp one of your home’s most important components. As the foundation of your home, your flooring needs to complement your personal taste, while living up to your lifestyle in terms of traffic, household members and pets, exposure to moisture and maintenance required. With the countless color and design options, the wide range of flooring mate-rials and your own budgetary considerations, you may find selecting flooring to be par-ticularly stressful.

Tapping into the customer-focused trends of high-end and online retailers, Tarkett empowers customers as they shop for flooring. Tarkett’s iSelect system delivers exact-ly what the name promises. It lessens the unknowns, simpli-fies the choices and introduces an interactive, multi-faceted shopping experience. The system begins with sorting multiple f looring options into six inspirational color families: Champagne Cele-brations, Cool Conversations,

Earthy Connections, Evening Receptions, Fireside Chats and Warm Gatherings - each offering its own feel and color space to help you find the per-fect floor to coordinate with your existing furnishings and adjoining floors. Visit www.tarkettna.com/Inspiration/iSe-lectStory to walk through the iSelect process and find the perfect, customized floor for your taste, lifestyle, budget and even health.

Sweat the small stuffInstead of worrying about

the new armoire you can’t afford, focus your energy on the finishing touches which can revitalize a space quickly and inexpensively. Paying attention to the details is a cost-effective and fun way to express yourself in spaces throughout your home, while also making each space feel complete.

Mirrors have a magical ef-fect on a room by making a space feel larger, reflecting light throughout and adding a touch of panache. You can find a wide variety of hang-ing mirrors to fit your taste at discount retailers or you can purchase a mirror at an estate sale or secondhand store and

“upcycle” it with a textured coat of Krylon Dual Ham-mered Finish spray paint in Silver or Dark Bronze.

the sky’s the limitIf you really want to em-

brace the warm weather and revitalize a room, it may be time to look up. One of the most popular design trends of 2013 is painting your ceil-ing. This blank and all-too-often-overlooked canvas has tremendous potential to trans-form a bedroom, living room or dining room. It can be as simple as repainting a white ceiling a very pale blue or gray to create the illusion that there is no ceiling. Or if you’re feeling bolder, you can make your ceiling a major ac-cent element that gives a dull room a bright or daring splash of color.

Spring decorating should be an enriching experience, rather than a stressful one. Whether it’s budget, time or simply choosing among the vast number of options avail-able, the usual redecorating stress triggers can be elimi-nated by focusing on simpler, cost-effective and empower-ing decor solutions.

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Stress-free tricks to refresh your homeCurb appeal: 2013’s hottest home improvement trends

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(BPT) – Have you ever seen a house with a beautiful lawn, lush landscaping, a tasteful and well-maintained exterior – and an ugly cracked concrete driveway? Why is it that even seasoned, proficient do-it-yourselfers sometimes balk at taking care of concrete?

“Concrete can be intimidating,” says Bob Schmidt, national product manager for Sakrete, which makes concrete repair products. “There’s an unfair stigma that repairing con-crete is a lot of work, but it’s actually not difficult. In many cases, if you can use a caulk gun, you can repair your cracked concrete.”

As with other home mainte-nance tasks, making your own repairs to minor concrete damage yourself can prevent problems from becoming worse – and turning into something that requires costly replacement by professionals. Here are some concrete repair tasks that you can do yourself, and helpful tips for doing the jobs right:repairing cracks in sidewalks

and concrete drivewaysEven properly poured concrete

can crack over time. Cracks that appear over time can be caused by tree roots pushing under the slab or a shift in the ground under the slab. As cracks develop moisture works its way into minute fissures in the concrete which eventually leads to larger, visible cracks. This is especially severe in winter when the

water turns to ice, the ice expands and the cracking process acceler-ates. Left unaddressed, cracks will worsen, ultimately leading to crum-bling and the breakdown of the slab. Repairing small cracks can prevent them from becoming larger.

For cracks between one-eighth to three-eighths of an inch wide, use a product like Sakrete’s Concrete and Mortar Repair, which comes in an easy-to-use caulk tube. Slightly larger cracks can be repaired with Sakrete Concrete Crack Filler, a one-quart pre-mixed concrete repair material in a sqeezable container. Cracks should be wide enough to accept the tip of a caulk gun. Larger cracks may require a concrete repair product similar to the one you would use to repair broken or uneven concrete.

For any size crack, begin by cleaning the crack and the concrete around it. Use a wire brush or screwdriver to remove loose chips and dust from the crack. Then, using a garden hose, squirt water directly into the crack to force out all loose material. Allow standing water to drain before filling the crack.

Once the surface is ready, apply your crack-filling product per the manufacturer’s directions.

restoring worn concrete surfaces

While concrete is one of the most durable surfaces in your outdoor environment, like any

other material that’s exposed to the elements and vigorous use, it can start to look worn. Pitting and cracking not only look bad, they can ultimately lead to severe breakdown of the surface.

Before you pay a professional to perform the labor-intensive task of ripping up the old concrete and pouring new, consider resurfacing your worn concrete driveway, side-walk or pathway. While resurfacing is a little more work than simply patching cracks, it’s still well within the abilities of most DIYers.

Products like Sakrete’s Flo-Coat Resurfacer pour over the existing concrete and, when properly ap-plied, create a durable, visually appealing new surface. Be sure to clean the concrete first – especially if there are oil stains – and follow the manufacturer’s directions for application to ensure the best pos-sible results.

leveling uneven concreteConcrete slabs that have sep-

arated at the joint, leaving one higher than the other are not only unslightly, but can pose a tripping hazard. Rather than tearing up and repouring the uneven area, consider using concrete repair patching ma-terial to level the area.

A concrete repair material like Sakrete’s Top ‘n Bond can be ap-plied in layers, using a trowel. It allows you to not only fill in cracks, but also level out uneven concrete.

(BPT) – As existing home sales continue to climb and housing prices increase, re-modeling is also on the rise, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. Owners of older homes are investing more in home improvement projects that add beauty and value, especially with environmentally friendly products.

Most homes, no matter how well maintained, will need some exterior trim replaced from time to time. Traditional wood trim boards can split, crack and rot over time, as a result of dam-age from the rain, snow, wind and sun.

Replacing old or damaged exterior trim with engineered wood composite trim is one way homeowners can preserve design integrity, while remain-ing committed to green building principles.

Check your exterior trimTake a few minutes this spring

to walk around your house and inspect your exterior trim. Look closely at the trim around your windows and doors, at the cor-ners, and near the roofline. Pay special attention to peeling or blistering paint, green algae,

warped boards, and spongy or soft spots. Also, check for termite damage, which creates more damage to U.S. homes than fire, floods and storms combined.

There are several options for replacing your existing trim. Although traditional wood trim often looks good when first installed, it can split and swell, and is prone to knots and de-fects. Other materials, like PVC and fiber cement trim, have per-formance limitations and may pose installation challenges.

“Like many home products, exterior trim has evolved over the years,” says Peggie Bolan, vice president, building prod-ucts, for JELD-WEN. “To-day, homeowners can choose engineered products that last long and provide resistance to moisture, rot, termites and temperature extremes not found in other materials.”

During extensive renovation of their 1830s Greek Revival-style farm house in Clifton Park, N.Y., Paul and Joanne Coons used more than 1,000 linear feet of MiraTEC Treated Exterior Composite Trim around win-dows, doors and other areas.

“We reviewed several trim

options, but we liked MiraTEC because it is a wood composite that doesn’t contain oil or vinyl like PVC trim, and it is manu-factured with less embodied energy than products like fiber cement, which also creates a lot of silica dust when it’s cut,” says Paul Coons, who is also a retired director of environmental health and safety from the New York State Office of Mental Health.

With a clear cedar, wood grain texture on one side and a contemporary smooth finish on the other, MiraTEC trim suits any home style. It is most often used for roofline fascia, soffits, window and door trim, corner trim, dentil, gables, column wraps, trim along porches and similar architectural compo-nents.

Joanne Coons, an envi-ronmental science teacher at Shenendehowa High School East, adds, “MiraTEC trim fit well with our priorities – it is not only a green product but it also provides a nice, clean look that complements the home design. Overall, we also anticipate low maintenance and less frequent painting compared to wood.”

To learn more, visit www.miratectrim.com.

DIY cures for common concrete problems

Make exterior trim part of home remodeling

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and the weather

Many homeowners are con-stantly on the lookout for ways to make their homes more environmentally friendly. Such a pursuit is both noble because it helps the environment and practical because it often saves money.

While there are many eco-friendly improvements ho-meowners make inside their homes, it’s important to note that there are several ways for men and women to be more environmentally conscious outside of their homes as well. Lawn care can be done in a way that’s conscious of the environ-ment, and the results can be just as appealing as if the lawn were tended to without regard for the planet. The following are just a few of the many ways homeowners can adopt more eco-friendly practices when tending to their lawns.

• Be conscientious when watering. Overwatering a lawn is pretty common, espe-cially during the dog days of summer, when homeowners try to overcompensate for hot days with excessive watering. The growth of moss on sidewalks or the driveway is a telltale sign that you’re watering too much, as is a standing pool of water on the grass. Homeown-ers who find it difficult to de-termine when their lawns have

gotten enough water can pur-chase an intelligent irrigation control system that adapts your watering to a lawn’s needs as well as the weather.

• turn back the clock on your tools. Before gas mowers became the standard, man-powered push mowers were used to cut the grass. Such mowers still exist, and they require no fuel, making them a more eco-friendly option than their gas-powered coun-terparts.

Along those same lines, leaf blowers are a far less friendly way to rake leaves in the fall or clean the yard after a long winter. While there’s no deny-ing their effectiveness, leaf blowers need gas to operate, while a rake just requires some elbow grease and a little extra time out in the yard.

• Stay locally. If you need to plant new grass or you’re beginning a garden, then stick with local plants, flowers and grasses rather than more ex-otic options that are not native to your area. Plants, flowers and grasses that aren’t native to your region will require more maintenance and often more watering. That added maintenance might prove to be a headache, and that ex-cessive watering will not be beneficial to the environment.

Native plants, flowers and grasses have already adapted to your climate, and they can be provide just as much aes-thetic appeal as more exotic alternatives.

• avoid pesticides when-ever possible. Many hom-eowners treat their lawns with pesticides, which can make a lawn look beautiful. But that beauty typically comes at a steep price, impacting local wildlife and perhaps even the local water supply. When pesti-cides are applied to a lawn, the chemicals within may run off into your local water supply. If you can’t avoid pesticides entirely, then do your best to minimize how often you use them.

• Don’t let rain water go to waste. Rain barrels are a great way to make good use of rain. Rain barrels can be placed beneath a gutter’s downspout, where they will collect water that can be reused throughout your property to water the lawn and garden. Rain barrels can be relatively expensive, but over time they will pay for themselves as you save money on your water bill.

Lawn care can be conducted in a way that benefits the environment as well as your bottom line.

(BPT) – If you’ve ever looked around your house and gotten the urge to purge, you might consider pausing and first thinking about how you could transform that old, damaged piece of furniture or outdated light fixture into a fresh-faced showpiece for your home.

Not only are you doing some-thing good for the environment – and likely your pocketbook – by restoring something, you’re embracing your inner creativity. You can make a truly one-of-a-kind decor piece, tailored to your personality and style.

This notion of restoring and reusing items that would oth-erwise be cast aside to the junkyard or thrift store is called “upcycling,” and it’s a trend that has caught on quickly, espe-cially in home design. With a little inspiration, creativity and the right tools, you can tackle countless decorating projects with things you already have around your home. And the best part? Upcycled pieces make for great conversation starters, often tell a good story and can even be sold for a much higher price than you put into them.

So where do you start? Here are some helpful tips for tack-ling your own upcycling proj-ects.Start with a little inspiration

Take a look through maga-zines, home design blogs and websites to gather inspiration. Look for pieces that catch your eye and have the same structure and “bones” as the items in your home that you’d like to restore.

For example, DremelWeek-ends.com is filled with inspir-ing and low-cost do-it-yourself projects, tool recommendations and step-by-step instructions to help you transform just about anything while bringing a new perspective to home renova-tion and decoration. You can even sign up to receive weekly project inspiration right to your email inbox.

Shop around without breaking the bank

Decorat ing your home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Look around your basement, attic, or at yard sales and con-signment shops for free or in-expensive items that you might be able to breathe new life into.

The old adage “never judge a book by its cover” would apply here. Do your best to look be-yond an item’s current condition and let the inspiration you’ve gleaned take over as you see its full potential in a different light. If the piece has some defects, don’t immediately overlook it. Sometimes perfection and personality can be found in the imperfection.Secrets of upcycling success

The secret to any do-it-your-self project is to plan ahead. Beyond finding the inspiration for a project, gather the supplies and tools you’ll need, read up on step-by-step instructions, dedi-cate a roomy workspace where everything is at your fingertips, and be sure to carve out time to focus on the project.

But the No. 1 secret of up-cycling success is to be patient and not get discouraged. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. It’s OK to make mistakes because sometimes you’ll un-cover hidden beauty during the process. The important part is that you find the whole experi-ence of restoring and reusing rewarding.

Eco-conscious ways to tend to your lawn

Upcycling: Use a dash of DIY inspiration

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(BPT) – If you’re bored by your bathroom, you might think a total room remodel is the only way to make a difference. And, if you’re like most homeowners, you might not have the time, expertise or budget to tackle high-profile projects like replac-ing your flooring, vanity, tub or shower.

Luckily, in a small space like a bathroom, making tiny tweaks can make a big impact. In fact, you can easily add style and functionality to your bath – without subtracting too much from your bank account. Here are a few simple ideas to refresh your bathroom that can be com-pleted in just a few hours (or even minutes).

under $25 – Conquer vanity insanity

If your vanity is looking drab and tired, don’t replace it – refresh it in just a few simple steps.

• New knobs and pulls: Look for new knobs and drawer pulls that are designed to match your existing faucets and fixtures in both style and finish. Whether you prefer modern or something with a more traditional look, many options are available to extend your sense of design down

to the details.• A place for everything: Con-

quer even more countertop clut-ter by using a decorative tray or small basket to hold loose items. From hair brushes to hand soap and lotion, simply gathering items together can make the whole room look – and feel – more organized.

• Add a glass shelf: Another way to keep bathroom necessi-ties close at hand is by installing a decorative glass shelf near your sink and vanity. Not only will it help to clear the clutter from your countertop, but it can also be a place to display small decorative touches like picture frames, flow-ers and reed diffusers.

under $50 – update with a new hue

From the walls to the floor, you can transform your bath-room’s look with a new color scheme and these easy ideas.

• A fresh coat of paint: Try a soothing shade of blue to give your bathroom a relaxing, spa-like feel, or a more vibrant color, like yellow, will add energy and brightness.

• Towels and rugs: Add vi-brant pops of color with accents in bright, new shades. Look for thick, plush towels and soft, sumptuous rugs to stimulate your senses and add a luxurious look and feel.

• A new shower curtain: Com-plete your bathroom’s new color scheme with a quality fabric shower curtain to tie the whole look together. For added style and sophistication, use two curtains and open in the middle, to mimic the look of a large window.

under $75 – Create a sensa-tional shower

If you’re looking for cost-effective, easy ways to spruce up your shower, a few small upgrades are all it takes.

• Showerhead: Replace your

old showerhead with the new Moen Halo Rainshower, which installs easily and delivers a truly luxurious shower experience with three spray settings and a unique pivoting outer ring for added coverage.

• Curved shower rod: Next, gain up to 5 inches of valuable elbow room by replacing your straight shower rod with a curved model. Not only will every show-er be a little more comfortable, you’ll easily add sophistication and accentuate your new shower curtain.

• Shower shelf: A shower shelf is an ideal solution to keep soap, shampoo and sponges neatly organized and always close at hand. Plus, you can increase your shower’s safety as well by choosing a shower shelf that incorporates a grab bar.

under $100 – add amazing accessories

For complete coordination, Moen offers entire accessory suites, featuring towel bars, towel rings, robe hooks, paper holders, lighting and even toilet tank levers, that are designed to perfectly match the rest of your faucets and fixtures.

“For less than $100, you can easily refresh your bathroom’s overall decor,” says Laurie Birko, senior product manager for Moen Accessories. “Today’s acces-sories combine stylish flair with useful function. Our pivoting paper holders, for instance, offer a spring-free design that makes changing the roll quick and easy, allowing you to create a big effect in just a few small steps.”

So, don’t think that a bath-room update is out of reach. With a few simple updates and minimum budget, your bathroom will be more stylish, useful and enjoyable in no time.

For more information about Moen products, visit moen.com

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